Auction 70
Lot 123:
1. Sefer Yad Hamelech on the Rambam and some sermons on the Torah, by Rabbi Eliyahu Palombo – first edition, Salonika, 1804. [3], 121, 36 leaves originally, In this copy, leaves [3], 96, 35 only (the section containing the elucidation on Tur Orach Chaim and a single leaf of the indices, Petach Hamelech, is missing).
2. Sefer Beit Hamelech on the Rambam and his commentators and the Beit Hamidrash section on Parashiyot haTorah, by Rabbi Yosef ibn Chasson. At its end, Sefer Sukat David by the Chacham Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Fernandes Dias, also on the Rambam and his commentators. With Kuntres Dorshim Lashevach by Rabbi Shlomo ben Aharon Chasson. First edition, Salonika, 1804. [2], 84, 37 leaves. In the National Library, the book appears also in the Rare Book Collection. The title page is cut in its upper part, almost not affecting the text.
Some moth damage. Stains. faded red edges. Binding with corrosion. Good overall condition.
This copy is attributed to several Sephardic sages: on the title page and flyleaf, curly signatures: "Raphael Yitzchak Sasson", "Avraham Eliyahu". In addition, on the title page and flyleaf, curly signatures of the Rishon LeZion Rabbi Nachman Batito. Inside the book, glosses handwritten by him on the margins of the sheet, signed with his name.
The Tzaddik Gaon Rabbi Nachman Batito (1846-1915), the Rishon LeZion. After immigrating as a child from Marakesh. Morocco, to Eretz Yisrael, studied in Jerusalem and excelled as a Gaon with a wonderous memory alongside Yirah that preceded his wisdom. He served as Dayan at the young age of 20 and later as Av Beit Din of the Ma’aravim community. In his old age, he was appointed the Rishon LeZion and acting Chacham Bashi.
Rabbeinu was also famed for his public activities and in his days, the Moroccan community of Jerusalem flourished. He was beloved by all residents of the town due to his modesty and noble virtues.
During the years 1884-1886, he published, with his friend Rabbi Chizkiya Shabtai, Rosh Av Beit Din of Jerusalem, the book MeAm Lo’ez in Ladino. His Torah novellae was published in an issue of Torah MiZion. He also authored the booklet Din UMishpat and was the first to sign the unity agreement between the Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities in 1910. (See Arzei Halevanon, p. 1709).
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